Moroka Swallows head coach Steve Komphela has expressed his admiration for the club’s loan signing, Tshegofatso Mabasa, comparing his qualities to that of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
Mabasa, 27, is currently the leading goal-scorer in the league with six goals from seven starts and one substitute appearance for the Birds.
His career had been in decline prior to his loan move to Swallows from parent club Orlando Pirates, where he scored only two goals in 18 league appearances. Komphela, who worked with Mabasa at Bloemfontein Celtic, believes the striker has “unbelievable strikers quality” and “smells where the ball is going to drop”.
The former Kaizer Chiefs head coach said Mabasa has a special instinct that can only be found in strikers like Haaland.
“What is happening to Mabasa will shock those who have not been tracking him. The guy has got unbelievable strikers quality, he’s got brains for it, he’s got instincts for it and above all, he smells where the ball is going to drop,” Komphela said at the Carling Black Label Knockout Cup launch.
“And those can only be found in special players designated for that special position. You don’t go to school and learn about that, where the ball is going to drop? Tell me, how does Haaland learn where the ball is gonna drop? How does he learn that this one I’m taking first-time? How does he learn that if I go this way, the defender is going to open the legs and put it (past him)? Mabasa has those (qualities),” he added.
Swallows have been drawn against Richards Bay away in the Carling Knockout Cup last 16 tie. Komphela is optimistic that Mabasa’s impressive form will continue and help the Birds progress in the competition.
